NEWS & CURRENT ACTIVITES

Keep up to date with the Karmapa's activities, teachings and travels by subscribing by email or Twitter below. You can unsubscribe whenever you like.

Gyalwang Karmapa Gives Talk on the Preservation of Wildlife

June 29, 2009 – TCV, Dharamsala

His Holiness The 17th Gyalwang Karmapa gave a talk on the preservation of wildlife to the upper TCV (Tibetan Children’s Village School) students on Monday, June 29th. The talk was an awareness event co-organized by Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and Care for the Wild International (CWI).

“Animals are not our enemies. We are all interdependent. Every animal has a role to play in the ecology by being a part of the food chain. If you remove one layer, the entire chain is affected. Even while talking in the interest of human beings, by saving wildlife, you are ultimately helping yourself,” His Holiness said.

The event was part of the Tibetan Conservation Awareness Campaign (TCAC), a WTI-CWI project aimed at spreading conservation awareness among Tibetans. The campaign was launched by His Holiness the Dalai Lama on April 6, 2005 to address the involvement of Tibetans in wildlife crimes and the use of wildlife articles in Tibetan medicines and traditional dresses.

Voicing further support to the Dalai Lama’s previous appeal, the Karmapa added:

“From the Buddhist viewpoint, we say every sentient being has been our mother in past lives. We believe in bringing no harm to all the sentient beings where animals are also included, but the ground reality is that this is being neglected. Some may believe that the environment is so huge that it cannot be affected by the action of one person. However, individuals can make lots of differences; the kind of difference, whether positive or negative, depends on the character and belief of humans.”

“We have observed a visible increase in awareness levels within the Tibetan community, but obviously our work is far from complete. The words of His Holiness Karmapa will help fortify our campaign and benefit the cause by leaving a lingering message in the minds of young Tibetans and adults alike,” Mr. Ashok Kumar Vice Chairman of WTI added at the conclusion of the event.

Quotes from the 17th Karmapa

Each person must find his or her own path. Nonetheless, seek guidance from wise and compassionate people and listen to them earnestly. This will help you find the best way to proceed – now and in the future.- Karmapa on Guidance

All traditions, whether religious or secular, have developed to benefit human society. In the event that a tradition or system becomes harmful, there’s no need to insist on following it.- Karmapa on Tradition

Human beings are the most intelligent and resourceful species on earth. If we use our intelligence to cause more suffering, rather than to bring some real benefit to others and ourselves, we are no better than beasts.- Karmapa on Intelligence

Just to simply relax and rest in your own natural state is all that you need to do. When you give yourself that opportunity, you’ll find that presence extends to the other parts of your life.- Karmapa on Meditation

Follow Karmapa

His Holiness likes to keep in touch with students using social media. Please click the icons above to connect with Karmapa around the web